Dental Assistant certification expands the duties of a Dental Assistant. In Florida, you can begin a career as a dental assistant with on-the-job training. You are limited in your allowable functions, though. A Dental Assistant who wants to expand their functions will need to become certified.

A Dental Assistant certification prepares the student to perform expanded duties such as doing dental x-rays on patients. This certification requires formal school training from a Florida Board of Dentistry-approved program. 

Dental Assistant Certification

Training to become an expanded duty Dental Assistant can be completed in as little as 45 weeks. Compu-Med Vocational Careers (CMVC) offers a comprehensive Dental Assistant program. This program goes over the training and education needed to become an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA). 

Some of the expanded functions for a certified Dental Assistant include the following:

• dental radiology or doing x-rays
• monitor nitrous oxide inhalation analgesia (requires a special course)
• polishing clinical crowns under certain circumstances
• placing periodontal dressings 
• applying sealants

The certified Dental Assistant is allowed to do more than basic functions. With Dental Assistant certification, you can increase your job responsibilities and maybe even your salary. 

Most certifications require formalized training from an approved program. At CMVC, you can be sure that you are getting the right training to meet Florida’s requirements for Dental Assistants. Even more good news is that the Dental Assistant Program can be completed in 45 weeks! 

Getting a Dental Assistant Certification

You can become certified as a Dental Assistant. When you go through the program at CMVC, you will be trained on the specifics of the job. Two of your required courses cover Expanded Duties and Dental Radiology. 

There are several different Dental Assistant certifications. You can become certified in Expanded Functions and Dental Radiology. You may also be required to be certified in CPR from the American Heart Association. Your levels of training and certification play a role in which responsibilities you are allowed to have.

A nation-wide certification from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is no longer considered a pathway to Florida’s Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) certification. You still need to follow Florida’s training requirements for the EFDA.